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Short takes: Rape-kit testing shows its value

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Wednesday September 4, 2013 5:33 AM

The better-than-expected success of the state of Ohio’s effort to perform DNA analysis on old
rape kits that had been sitting around local police departments should be a spur to those
departments that haven’t yet joined the program.

Since the Bureau of Criminal Investigation began analyzing the old evidence last October, 1,488
kits have been tested and 460 of those have yielded a match with someone’s DNA stored in the
Combined DNA Index System, a nationwide database maintained by the FBI. That’s about 1 in 3 — a
ratio with which Attorney General Mike DeWine proclaimed himself “stunned” and “delighted.”

Some of the evidence is nearly 20 years old, and some people doubted its value. But, as the
technology for DNA analysis continually improves, the success shouldn’t be that surprising.

More than 3,500 kits have been submitted to BCI since DeWine put out the call, but thousands
more remain in evidence rooms around the state. Of 800-some law-enforcement agencies, only 105 have
sent anything in. The others should do so; the high probability of at last achieving justice for a
rape victim, even many years after the crime, is too important to pass up. Catching the perpetrator
might also prevent additional crimes.

Democratic state Sens. Capri Cafaro of Hubbard and Nina Turner of Cleveland are backing a bill
that would remove the statute of limitations on rape cases. It currently stands at 20 years. DeWine
is right that the success of the rape-kit tests suggests justice still can be done after 20 years.
But this may be true only in cases where DNA evidence exists. Without it, the traditional reason
behind the statute of limitations — that the truth becomes too hard to discern so long after a
crime — still applies. A good compromise would be for the bill to allow the statute to be lifted
only in those cases that have testable DNA evidence.

DeWine should continue to process the kits, adding employees and resources as he is able. Given
the proven ability of DNA evidence to solve crimes, it’s a solid investment.

Swapping cars for bikes good for students, school

The University of Dayton has a smart solution to an old problem. College officials always wince
at the question: “Can I have my car on campus?” They know many students don’t want to leave their
wheels behind, but congestion and limited parking often demand that the answer be no.

At Dayton, students who volunteer to leave their four wheels behind gain two new ones, and
possibly a healthier lifestyle. The university offers free bicycles to those first-year students
who promise not to bring cars to campus for two years. This year, 300 freshmen have taken the
offer.

For students, the bike offer means greater mobility than walking, but far less hassle than
trying to drive and park around a crowded campus. A UD outdoor-recreation program will encourage
riding for fun and exercise, too, by urging students to try the 330 miles of bike trails in the
Dayton area. The long-term result could be much more than some relief from campus congestion. As
more cities, Columbus included, make it easier, safer and more fun to ride bikes for work and
pleasure, UD could be fostering a generation of healthier alumni.